The next crisis averted - removing the steering bearing cups...

[Aston]

As predicted, all fine until the next crisis, removing the steering bearing cups, fortunately I ignored the Youtube video's who's advice was to use a punch and wrap sellotape around the outside before sticking the outside to knock out. Instead I used an old straight handle bar, a few taps inside the headstock and they were out, very pleased

FYI... The LBS had their work cut out removing the bottom bracket, it was well stuck and took some force, so a new BB needed, the threads look fine to me though which is a relief. Are they all the same or some better than others? It's a square tapered fit for the Shimano exam crank and triple chain-ring

Please excuse the state of my garage, this is tidy for me! Not much room to work in.

 

[si_c]

FYI... The LBS had their work cut out removing the bottom bracket, it was well stuck and took some force, so a new BB needed, the threads look fine to me though which is a relief. Are they all the same or some better than others? It's a square tapered fit for the Shimano exam crank and triple chain-ring

Not surprising that the BB was hard to get out - my experience has been similar.

If it's a shimano crankset then you can use pretty much any Shimano BB - this is because there is a difference in the taper used between Japanese and European bottom brackets. You can use third party BBs provided they are JIS, but Shimano ones are easy to source and will likely be available in the width you need. If you still have the old one, then measure the length of the axle to get the appropriate size (each model will have a different width, Exage for example will vary betweek 113mm and 127.5mm. Some help might be found here.

 

[Moodyman]

Shimano’s UN range of bottom brackets are pretty durable. In fact, they’re so durable there is a risk of them seizing in by the time you need to replace them.

Ensure you apply some coppa slip (or grease if you haven’t any). As a further measure, you can remove and reinstall them every couple of years.

 

[88robb]

Glad the cups came out! For the BB, they're not all the same. Stick with a reputable brand like Shimano UN55 or Tange. Make sure you get the correct shell width (like 68mm or 73mm) and spindle length to keep your chainline right. A good grease on the threads during install is key.

 

[Aston]

Just realised that I still need to remove the fork crown race, I think I'll have to leave that to the LBS during the week. I could tap it off in similar fashion to the cups, but might risk damaging the thread at the top of the forks. I think after 30 years a new headset is OK, along with a new bottom bracket!